Physical Activity Levels, Eating Habits, and Well-Being Measures in Students of Healthcare Degrees in the Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: When the first cases of COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection) were discovered, exceptional norms to fight the spread of the virus were established by applying movement restrictions (lockdown) in many countries. These unprecedented norms led to sedentary behaviours and less healthy diets which could persist for much longer after lockdown. The aim of this study was to analyse the physical activity, eating habits, self-perceived well-being, and toxic habits, as well as the perceived changes of these habits with respect to the pre-pandemic period, in a population of university students in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A single-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of university students of healthcare degrees. A total of 961 students (639 (66.5%) women and 322 (33.5%) men) signed the informed consent and completed the questionnaire. The study was conducted through an anonymous survey, which was voluntarily self-completed by the students on an online platform. The questionnaire was based on the Spanish Health Survey and it was divided into six main parts: demographic and anthropometric characteristics, physical activity, eating habits, well-being measures (sleeping habits, health state, and stress), toxic habits, and perception of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the variables described. Results and conclusions: The results showed that, during the second year of the pandemic, statistically significant dependence was identified for those students that showed higher levels of physical activity with greater perceived physical activity (p < 0.05), healthier eating habits (p < 0.05), and a better self-perceived health state (p < 0.05), with respect to the 12 months before the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, there was a negative correlation between the sedentary students and greater perceived physical activity (p < 0.05). With regard to toxic habits and physical activity, a significant correlation was only detected between sedentary behaviour and cocaine consumption (p < 0.05). Analysing eating habits, it was observed that the students who smoked, consumed alcohol, and binge drank had low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.05). In addition, those students with high stress levels slept less than 7 h (p < 0.05).

Modification of eating habits and lifestyle during COVID-19 in university students from Mexico and Peru

“…The present study agrees with Bou-Hamad et al ( 21 ), who found that approximately two-thirds (63.5%) of their participants adopted a healthy diet during the pandemic. Maté-Muñoz et al ( 22 ) also mention a healthy change in eating habits compared to 12 months before the COVID-19 pandemic. Monteiro and Ferreira-Pêgo ( 23 ), when comparing eating habits during confinement compared to the normal semester of classes, found that the former was “better”; however, it is closely followed in percentage by the category being “the same.” On the other hand, Eşer et al ( 24 ) indicate that they found changes in the order of meals in students during their distance education, with 31.7% who regularly consumed their main meals followed by 31.2% who jumped.…”

Association of Mediterranean Diet Adherence with Sociodemographic, Anthropometric, and Lifestyle Factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greece

“…In addition, lower levels of MD compliance were observed in those students with elevated stress and lower sleep quality [66]. Another study has indicated that the quarantine has exerted considerably negative effects on eating behaviors and physical activity [67]. The above has been attributed to the fact that there has been an elevation in food intake and a decrease in physical activity, which can result in body weight elevation [67].…”

“…Another study has indicated that the quarantine has exerted considerably negative effects on eating behaviors and physical activity [67]. The above has been attributed to the fact that there has been an elevation in food intake and a decrease in physical activity, which can result in body weight elevation [67]. In a longitude study conducted on 1520 participants, increased intake of cereals was related to decreased risk of COVID-19 infection, while the probability of being infected with COVID-19 reduced in combination with increasing olive oil consumption [68].…”